South African born vocalist Tutu Puoane, who is based in Belgium, will be performing at UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 06 August. This forms part of a nationwide tour where she is presenting music from her album “Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol. 1”. She will be joined by Belgian pianist Ewout Pierreux, who is also her partner in life.

For just under a decade, Tutu walked around with the poetry collection “In a Ribbon of Rhythm” by her compatriot Lebo Mashile under her arm. Mashile’s poems made a deep impression on her, and every time she read them, she heard music. She wrote a few songs based on some of her favourites from Mashile’s collection. The result is an original and glowing repertoire, sounding like own mix of singer-songwriting, Jazz and Soul.

Vocalist Tutu Puoane. Picture Supplied

The music forms the basis for “Wrapped in Rhythm, Vol 1”, produced by legendary US bassist and producer Larry Klein who produced the likes of Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Thomas Dybdahl, Herbie Hancock and many others. The open and loose structures of the repertoire allow for a free, improvised and communicative approach to the music when performed live. Those who have already experienced her on stage know that this is the ideal context for Puoane at her best.

UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular Music is located at Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Howard College Campus. Tickets can be purchased at Webtickets or at the venue. They are priced at R130 for general public, R95 for pensioners and R65 for students with a valid student card. Doors open at 17h00 and concert starts at 17h30.